A culture of drugs

It was the week before Christmas when Cape Codders learned of the horrific murder of a 16-year-old Barnstable High School student.

It was the week before Christmas when Cape Codders learned of the horrific murder of a 16-year-old Barnstable High School student.

On the night of Dec. 16, the body of Jordan Mendes was discovered in the woods of Hyannis, wrapped in a rug and set ablaze.

Although police have arrested a 20-year-old Hyannis man and two juveniles, including the 13-year-old half-brother of the victim, in connection with the murder, there are many others who contributed to Jordan's death.

There is Jordan's father, Manuel Mendes, now serving a 35-year sentence in federal prison for running a cocaine ring while he was serving an 8- to 10-year sentence in the Plymouth County Correctional Facility for a previous drug conviction.

There are other close relatives of Jordan's, who either had no idea he was mixed up in drugs, which would point to negligence, or knew of his drug business and did little to help him, which would constitute child abuse.

Then there were all the older dealers who wholesaled drugs to Jordan.

And let's not forget all those who bought drugs from Jordan. Will they even consider that their desire for a buzz fed Jordan's appetite for the money that contributed to his death? The killers allegedly murdered Jordan over $10,000 in drug money. They wanted the money to buy a used BMW.

And then, of course, there was Jordan, who probably never knew a life without illegal drugs.

When you add it all up, it's quite a few people.

Whether we like to hear it or not, there is a whole drug culture in certain "neighborhoods" of idyllic Cape Cod. On these littered streets with dilapidated homes, there is little cohesiveness and friendliness. Only fear.

Where are these neighborhoods? The cops, who round up many of these drug dealers on a regular basis, know where they are. The judges, who too often spin the revolving door at the county jail, know where they are. The probation officers and social workers, who try to keep the lid on a boiling stew of vengeful dealers and strung-out users, know where they are.

But let's look beyond the addresses that frequently appear in the police log and court report. Consider the kingpins' trophy homes built on drug money, or the next-door neighbor in the gated community who just needs a few joints or snorts of cocaine for his "recreation." They, too, contributed to Jordan's death.

A bleak picture, indeed.

Until you consider the people and programs on Cape Cod that are trying to change the situation.

Take Judge Joseph Reardon, for instance. When he retired from Barnstable District Court, he helped form the Cape Cod Justice for Youth Collaborative, which tries to reduce recidivism among juveniles.

During his days on the bench, Reardon realized that many of the same young people were appearing before him, over and over. He and others, including Steve Brown, want to intervene in the lives of these juveniles before their problems reach a critical point.

Then there's the drug court program, which tries to rehabilitate substance abusers while keeping them out of the county jail. Between 350 and 400 addicts have graduated from the Barnstable Action for New Directions program since it began in 2002.

And let's not forget the hundreds of teachers, church youth leaders, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, den mothers, coaches and others who inspire at-risk youths to turn away from drugs.

So, as we mourn this tragedy, remember that for every Jordan there are scores of others saved by the goodness of those who care, our neighbors.